And so the leaves shall change…….

It is now officially autumn. It is my wife’s favorite time of year, and would be mine as well if winter didn’t come right afterwards. It is a time of year with a wide mix of emotions, the most prevalent for me is melancholy. School has started, the kids are away our family unit is spread around all day, and the weather is….interesting. The colours can be fantastic, and it is a time that motivates us to get out and take pictures of this gorgeous land of ours.

Today I drove from Sturgeon Falls to Ottawa, a drive I have done often in my past, but less and less as the years go by. My family and I have vacationed there often, as there is a plethora of things to do for all ages, and is a beautiful city on its own. I have many fond memories of Ottawa. But there is something specific about this place that I have not thought about in a long time, and it struck me while driving.

As I was about half way to my destination, it struck me that I have not made this drive alone in a very long time. In fact, I have not made this drive alone since before I was married. So for over 22 years. No big deal, I know. Before I was married, I made the drive on average every two weeks or so. But Ottawa wasn’t the reason I made the trip. I came here because my wife-to-be was going to the University of Ottawa, and if I wanted to see her, I had to make the drive. Gladly, I might add.

Making that drive allowed us to connect in ways we would not have been able to do had she been at home for those 3 years (she did a 4-year Bachelors of Music in 3 years so that we could marry sooner, which to me is still so incredible and loving). We got to know each other, got to see that we were made for each other. We explored the city, and discovered that our tastes in almost everything were so compatible. Ottawa allowed us to be ourselves.

Driving today made me think about and appreciate my family that much more. I think about them constantly as it is, but today it struck me that this oft-made voyage is what led us to get married and have a family. It made me miss them more, and even though it’s just for one night, I am already anxious to get back to them.

And so, as the season progresses and the leaves change colours then fall to the ground, I revel in the thought that I can appreciate Autumn with my family and my dogs, and reminisce about all the autumns past, and yes, I will even appreciate winter because I will be with people who love me as much as I love them.